Cristiano Ronaldo played down his mouth-watering World Cup clash against Didier Drogba, insisting that Portugal must not get distracted by the challenge posed by the Ivory Coast star.
The two sides clash in a crucial Group G match at Port Elizabeth on Tuesday just before pool rivals Brazil meet North Korea in Johannesburg.
“We know all about Drogba, he’s a great player,” said Ronaldo Sunday.
“But we can’t get preoccupied by him. We must concentrate on our team, our tactics and our ambitions. That’s the only way to win.”
Portugal endured a troubled qualifying campaign, having to come through a two-legged play-off against Bosnia-Hercegovina to make sure of their place in the finals.
But Ronaldo insists those troubled times are behind them as the 2006 semi-finalists target a place in the knockout round.
“The most important thing is to get to the second round and if it’s as group winners, that would be better,” said the 25-year-old Real Madrid star.
“If not and we have to play Spain, there will be no need to fear them. Spain are one of the favourites for the World Cup, but we are not scared of anyone. We are going to play to win, or try to win.”
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